Sauska (also known as Shaushka, Sausga, and Anzili) was the Hurrian-Hittite goddess of fertility, war, and healing. She was worshipped throughout the region known as Hanigalbat (present day Iraq, Syria, and Turkey) from the time of the Hurrians (c. 3300 BCE), through the Kingdom of Mitanni (1500-1240 BCE), throughout the Hittite Empire (c.1344-1245 BCE), and beyond... [continue reading]

This rectangular basalt statue of Halparunda II, king of Maraş, was found at Maraş(modern-day Kahramanmaraş, Turkey). The Hittite hieroglyphic inscriptions can be seen on the sides and back of the statue; the king introduces himself with his titles and tells his deeds. Late Hittite period, 9th century BCE. (Istanbul Archeological Museums/Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey).

This basalt stela of the storm god Hadad of Aleppo was brought to the palace museum of King Nebuchadnezzar II as war booty. From Babylon, modern-day Iraq. Late Hittite period, 9th century BCE. (Istanbul Archaeological Museums/Ancient Orient Museum, Istanbul, Turkey).

Rectangular stone foundation document of the Assyrian king Adad-Nirari I. It recounts the king's victories over the Mitanni, who had failed to gain Hittite support, and the extension of Assyrian rule west to the Euphrates. The stone appears to have been intended for a palace that Adad-Nirari planned to be rebuilt in a Mitanni city, but if so, it never reached... [continue reading]

Suppiluliuma I (1344-1322 BCE) is considered the most powerful and impressive king of the Hittite Empire. He was the son of Tudhaliya II (also known as Tudhaliya III) and is credited with founding the New Kingdom of the Hittites (also called the Hittite Empire). His dates are disputed owing to the manner in which the Hittites recorded their... [continue reading]